inisters and Generals were present and witnessed Lord
Kitchener's apparent assertion of his right to exercise the power and
authority of a Commander-in-Chief in the Field.

Fortunately, the incident terminated in a manner which led to no
regrettable publicity. Lord Kitchener realised his mistake and left
Paris that night.

I did not reach my Headquarters at Dammartin until about 7 in the
evening of September 1st. Two important rearguard actions had been
fought during the day, one at Nery--where Captain Bradbury was killed,
whilst "L" battery fought heroically against overwhelming odds--and
the other at Villers-Cotterets.

The proximity of the enemy, and the close presence of detachments of
hostile cavalry with guns, which had broken through our line, required
the retirement of my Headquarters to Lagny on the Marne. As it was
necessary to move with precaution, this place was not reached until 1
a.m. on the 2nd.

I have already reproduced the communications from General Joffre under
date September 2nd, in connection with the Paris interview on the 1st.
Although I did not receive these documents until late on the 2nd, they
indicated the ideas which occupied my own mind on that day, namely,
the defence of the Marne with a view to a subsequent offensive.

On this day I also received a letter from the Governor of
Paris which, with my reply, run as follows:--

"Gouvernement Militaire de Paris,
"Le Gouverneur,
"Paris, le 2 septembre 1914.

"Le General Gallieni, Gouverneur Militaire de Paris et
Commandant-en-Chef des Armees de Paris a Monsieur le Marechal French,
Commandant-en-Chef des Armees Anglaises.

"Monsieur le Marechal,

"J'ai appris ce matin, dans la tournee que j'ai faite dans nos regions
N.E. de Paris, que vous veniez d'arriver a Dammartin.

"Comme Gouverneur de Paris et Commandant-en-Chef des Armees de Paris,
je m'empresse de vous souhaiter le bienvenu et de vous dire combien je
suis heureux de savoir que les braves troupes anglaises qui se sont
conduites si vaillamment ces derniers jours, se trouvent a la
proximite de Paris. Vous pouvez compter sur le concours absolu que
nous devons a nos courageux compagnons d'arme.

"Personnellement, j'ajouterai que votre nom ne m'est pas inconnu,
etant moi-meme un colonial ayant fait de nombreuses campagnes, et
notamment m'etant trouve a Madagascar lorsque vous commandiez
l'e